Linggo, Pebrero 3, 2013

Cupcaken Cebu: Sweet Treats in Cups

Outside Cupcaken Cebu's shop.


Since when do cupcakes become a phenomenon here in Cebu? The big cakes that used to be the star of the show in every occasion are now replaced by their miniature version; cupcakes. There are a lot of reasons that cupcakes have become the new rage in the 21st century in terms of satisfying one's sweet tooth desires. It is easy to make, easy to eat, easy to bring, easy to dispose, and any other convenience one could think of on cupcakes. Usually, cupcakes come in different flavors with attractive, mouthwatering, and creative designs on top of each; thus, a cup of heaven in a serving.

One shop that offers originally made cupcakes in Cebu among other sprouting cupcake junctions is the shop named CupcaKen. The name itself speaks for its specialization. It is located in R. Duterte Street Banawa Cebu, City. They serve a wide variety of cupcakes to suit people's different taste and preference, but as they always say, their bestseller is the Red Velvet cupcake.  Upon looking at their cupcakes' presentation, one couldn't resist the attraction that they create to the eyes and one could think they must be as tasty as they look. Each costs Php 55, a premium pricing strategy that tells us Cupcaken's products are way above average.


The store's interior has a touch of sophistication in it as walls are painted black and white creating a clean atmosphere and a sleek finishing. Yet to contrast these walls exist the soft pink chairs that people would hardly miss. The place is perfect for meet-ups or chilling out.

Every business venture has it own perks and Cupcaken isn't an exception. Being new in the confectionery business industry, Cupcaken still has to address some problems that might seem minor but actually big in operating the business. Most problems lie on the location itself based from the group's observation. First, the entry area of the store is not so spacious. By entry area, we mean the area where the entrance door is extending towards where the big cupcake shelf is. Of course, it is of utmost importance to have this kind of area big enough especially if a lot of customers are locking their stares at the cupcake displays. Next, there is insufficient space for parking lot. The location of Cupcaken itself presents a problem for those who are not really familiar with the place. Banawa is not really the type of place where CupcaKen's supposed to be target market is roaming. They could have chosen a place that is well-positioned and easy to access like malls and the likes. They do not even have a website to showcase or market their products online knowing that it is now the trend.

A not so typical place for business is part of CupcaKen's marketing strategy according to its owner. He wanted CupcaKen to be something a customer has always to find and remember. He has this condition that if one wants to have a unique cupcake experience, one should go to CupcaKen no matter how far or unlikely the place is because only CupcaKen could deliver the satisfaction. 

Overall, hanging out in this place is a sure way to bond with your friends, family, and your partner. Their lovely cupcakes will satisfy your sweet-tooth cravings.:)

Cupcaken's bestseller Red Velvet

Biyernes, Pebrero 1, 2013

The Colors of Sinulog Festival 2013




I was expecting rain to pour down during the recently concluded Sinulog Festival Grand Parade but this year is different from the previous ones. During the last years of celebrating the prestigious event here in Cebu, City, I was one of those people who walked the lively streets of Metro Cebu whose feet were painted with splattered mud from the light rain that the Holy Child had blessed us. Thinking about those wet Sinulog Days creates a feeling of discouragement most of the time in enjoying the festivity. Aside from the scattered light rain, I had to also squirm my way out of the tight crowd just to see my favorite celebrities on their designated floats. I was so ecstatic!
   
 This year, under the cruel heat of the sun, 4 million people populated the routes of the grand parade all over Metro Cebu. I said to myself that was the perfect weather to celebrate in the streets. People all over the Philippines who wanted to witness the event gather together here in Cebu resulting to the great number of spectators this year. We can categorized these 4 million people into groups: the Sr. Sto. Nino devotees, the parade spectators, crowd control group, and lastly the estimated 2000 photographers.


Last year I was just a mere spectator, a minute part of the millions of crowd who flocked the colorful streets of Cebu. I envied some people back then who had all the liberty to clearly see and get an up close look of the parade. How I wished I was early to arrive so I could find a spot perfect for viewing the Sinulog dancers as well as my favorite artists (Kim Chui and Sam Pinto). This year I got lucky! Joining the flock of the amateurs and pros of  photography, I aimed myself with a DSLR camera with telephoto lense to capture the glorious colors and beauty of Sinulog Festival 2013.

Registered as one of the Sinulog Photo Contest contestants, I had the chance to position myself right in front of the dancers. At first I had a hard time shooting because I was undermined by the professional photographers who brought big and small ladders with them for better shooting. I was frustrated at first, but the tigress in me jumped in. I had to have a good shot for myself even just for a short while. Luckily, I got a small child's chair which can be easily folded and positioned myself for better shooting. I found myself trying so hard to become a lady sniper. Call it 'trying hard' but the results of my hard work paid off. The shots were satisfactory and at the same time I enjoyed the experience.

I am looking forward for another round of photo contests, especially festivals as big as Sinulog. And I hope that by each year I join this kind of competition I would become better and better with my craft.

HERE ARE MY SHOTS DURING THE SINULOG GRAND PARADE AS WELL AS DURING THE SINULOG SA KABATAAN:

















 

The Queens of Sinulog Festival 2013





The winner of Sinulog Festival Queen 2013, Ms. Jamie Herrell of Placer Masbate
 Last January 18, 2013, the much awaited Sinulog Festival Queen competition took place at the Abellana Sports Complex in Cebu City, Philippines. More than ten lovely candidates paraded their grace and beauty on stage to grab the crown of this year's competition. They were all an astounding sight to look at. I myself could not tell who was the real winner. In their colorful costumes, the candidates wowed the spectators as each of them showcased their beauty and grace while dancing to the beat of the drums and holding the image of Sr. Sto. Nino. Again,  your resident Lady Photographer grabbed the chance of the night to take her camera out and capture the  moments.





  




Here are some of the photos taken during the pageant:













Sinulog Festival Queen 2013 and Miss Smart:
Candidate #4 Jamie Herrell of Placer, Masbate

1st runner-up:
Candidate #5 Mary Joy Delmo of Tangub City

2nd runner-up:
Candidate #7 Caryl Soledad of Lanao del Norte

3rd runner-up:
Candidate #1 Maria Cassandra Yu of Talisay City

4th runner-up:
Candidate #8 Cherry Lyn Enad of Carcar City

You can see the complete list of winners by following the link:http://www.sinulog.ph/index.php/events/news/56-sinulog-festival-queen-2013-winners